The Top Things to do in Canberra

Location: King Edward Terrace, Parkes

Put on your thinking caps as you and the kids prepare yourselves to enter the intelligent and entertaining world of science at Questacon! Have some fun with science as you look through over 200 interactive exhibits, with a truly hands-on approach to the learning process.

Travel through seven themed galleries where you can watch the creation of lightning, experience an earthquake and free fall on the 6-metre slide. Questacon is perfect for the whole family, even the little ones!

The Mini-Q area is suited for those budding little scientists aged 6 years and under. The 40-minute sessions encourage the kids to explore their surroundings through processes of observation, prediction, testing and refining, just like the real scientists!

Kids are encouraged explore their surroundings through processes of observation, prediction, testing and refining, just like the real scientists."

The exhibits are so informative and interactive, that they make the "unintentional" process of learning go by unnoticed - yet your kids will no doubt be spouting facts the section you leave.

There is always a list of events being held at the one time at Questacon. Past events have included Rockets #101, Dino-Science and Perception Deception.

Questacon is open to the public seven days a week from 9 am to 5pm. The whole family will love a visit to the science centre, be sure to allow enough time to cover all of the galleries.

Location: 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls

When visiting Canberra, be sure to take a step back in time and see how the dinosaurs once lived - always a favourite with the kids. Since 1993 the National Dinosaur Museum has been growing its collection to the impressive state it boasts now. Showcasing 23 complete skeletons this museum is the largest permanent display in Australia!

A trip to the museum is both educational and entertaining as your guide walks you through the various species they have fossilised in the museum. The museum also features an amazing amount of fossil displays, with over 300 showcased to the public. All of the exhibits on display cover the history of life on earth before our time.

"A trip to the museum is both educational and entertaining as your guide walks you through the various species they have fossilised in the museum."

A walk through Dinosaur Garden will put these extinct species size into perception. The life-like fibreglass models are placed around the garden to give you an accurate representation of these creatures. The young ones will love watching the dinosaurs move and roar, it will as though you’ve been transported to a real Jurassic Park!

The museum and exhibits are open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, giving you more than enough time to examine these foreign creatures.

Location: 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls

Perfectly manicured gardens make for a great backdrop to a veritable miniature world that's wonderful for families to explore. Cockington Green Gardens is a family owned and operated attraction that has been built by four generations over the past 35 years. The main attractions are the perfectly crafted miniature buildings placed around the landscaped grounds.

There has been so much time and effort invested in these pristine garden to make them the beautiful attraction they are today. Since 1979, Cockington Green Gardens has been open to the public, showcasing the amazing landscapes and miniature creations.

The crafted buildings have always attracted large crowds, but one of the favourite attractions is the Rose Room Indoor Exhibit which includes Waverly, a beautifully crafted doll house complete with 34 individual rooms.

"Since 1979, Cockington Green Gardens has been open to the public, showcasing the amazing landscapes and miniature creations."

The young visitors to the garden always seem to take a liking to the mini steam train ride. For just $3 you can jump aboard and travel around the International Display in the gardens. There is also a playground for all to enjoy while mum and dad have the option of dining at the Parsons Nose Cafe.

The grounds are the perfect setting for a picnic and visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch for the day to enjoy amongst the exquisite gardens. Cockington Green Gardens are open seven days a week from 9:30am until 5pm.

Location: Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla

Canberra's National Zoo & Aquarium remains one of the country's most underrated wildlife exhibitions, being the only attraction in Australia that combines both of these land and water-based attractions in the one spot.

Showcasing an enviable range of animals throughout the zoo and aquarium, visitors are given the chance to get up close to some of the animals.

You will be amazed by how close you are allowed to get to these incredible animals. If you take a Zooventure, visitors have the chance to get up close and feed some of the big cats and slithering reptiles in the zoo. You can meet a cheetah, hold a slippery python, pat a friendly rhino or feed a brown bear to name a few.

This is the kind of experience that can’t be passed up! There are a range of animal exhibits around the zoo and aquarium showcasing some of the most interesting and dangerous animals in captivity.

"You will be amazed by how close you are allowed to get to these incredible animals."

Walk around the Shark Pier, a 200,000 litre tank home to a range of shark species. This is one of the biggest tanks in the country, housing black tipped reef sharks, leopard sharks, tawny nurse sharks, which you can hand feed, and a large Queensland groper. The Great Barrier Reef Wonders is a replica of the reef itself, showcasing the beautiful colours of coral and fish, including clown fish, giant shovel-nose ray, seahorse, marbled groper and more.

The Southern Oceans exhibit is home to a king crab, some southern lobster and a big bellied seahorse. Rocky shores is a touch pool giving you access to shells and shark eggs, star fish and sling jaw wrasse. See barramundi, murray cod and rainbow fish in the River Systems of the World, and see some American Alligators, anacondas and a boa constrictor in the Reptiles and Frogs section.

Other animals that call the National Zoo home are an African Lion, Sumatran Tiger, Bengal Tiger, Cougar, Snow Leopard, European Brown Bear, Giraffes, Meerkats, zebras, red pandas, a range of monkey species and a list of Australian native animals.

Location: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula

Learn about history in a fun environment at the National Museum of Australia, while taking part in its excellent Kspace adventure game for kids. Ideal for kids between the ages of 5 and 12, the activity allows kids to build their own time-travelling robot and explore Australia's past.

This social history museum showcases information relating to the land, the nation and the people that call Australia home. The museum displays exhibitions focusing on Indigenous histories and cultures, the history of European settlement in our nation and our interaction with the environment around us.

The museum is filled with exhibitions and is always hosting current events. Travelling exhibitions are displayed in the museum for months at a time highlighting different aspects of Australia and the lives led on the land.

There are also a range of free exhibits that are permanently on show, including Landmarks: People and Places across Australia and Landmarks: A History of Australia in 33 Places, both of which highlight various locations across the country, and First Australians displayed in the largest gallery telling different stories and experiences relating to the original landowners.

"The museum displays exhibitions focusing on Indigenous histories and cultures, the history of European settlement in our nation and our interaction with the environment around us."

Visitors can take an audio self-guided tour around the museum with The Loop to discover unique elements of the collections and introductory information about the museum itself. The Loop can be downloaded to your smartphone or you can hire a device from the information desk in the Main hall.

The museum is open every day of the week operating from 9am until 5pm.

Location: O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls

For a more scaly take on the animal encounter spectrum, get up close to some of the scariest, creepiest and slimiest reptiles and frogs at the Canberra Reptile Zoo. You’ll be excited and scared at the same time when you lay your eyes on some of the reptiles they have lurking behind the glass.

You will see a Blue Tongued Lizard, Bearded Dragon, Thick-Tailed Gecko, an Eastern Water Dragon and a Sand Goanna as well as some of those reptiles that slither around the place.. snakes! There will be a Death Adder, Diamond Python, Tiger Snake, Water Python and a Brown Tree Snake.

"You’ll be excited and scared at the same time when you lay your eyes on some of the reptiles they have lurking behind the glass."

If you’re brave enough you can have the chance to touch a python or a dragon! You’ll see all of the brave little hands shoot up when asked who wants to get close to these creepy crawlies.

While at the Reptile Zoo you will also get to meet Charlie the saltwater crocodile, a friendly fella who enjoys swimming in his habitat, and of course.. dinner time!

Despite the name, reptiles aren’t the only animals making this zoo their home. Here you will also see the Bugs Alive display showcasing some cool and interesting bugs from around the country!

Location: 1 Irving Street, Phillip, Canberra, ACT

The Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre has got you covered in summer and winter with a large Olympic size swimming pools and ice skating rink guaranteeing fun for the whole family.

Located in the centre of Canberra, the Phillip Swimming pool has a heated eight lane 50 metre swimming pool open for general swimming and lap swimming.

In addition, there is a 20 metre learner’s pool, a toddlers pool, a waterslide and BBQ facilities for those hot summer days when you just want to lounge around the pool to try and cool down.

The public swimming pool is open 7 days a week with hours varying depending summer and winter but the centre is obviously most popular during the summer season.

"The Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre has got you covered in summer and winter with a large Olympic size swimming pools and ice skating rink guaranteeing fun for the whole family."

For a fun activity all year round, the Ice Skating Rink is open to the public for general skating sessions, lessons and a cool Friday night disco.

Learn to twirl, spin, race, skate or even play a game ice hockey here on the 1500 square metres of ice that can cater up to 250 people during one session.

On Friday evenings, the ice rink transforms into a fun, family friendly disco between 8.30pm and 10.30pm. The evening and weekend sessions are a great budget friendly activity that children and adults can both enjoy together.

Furthermore, the ice skating rink is all weather attraction. Regardless of whether it is steaming hot outside or cold, windy or rainy, the ice skating rink provides an escape from the outside world for a few hours.

With an activity centre like Phillip’s Swimming and Ice Skating Centre, there is no need to let the kids drive you crazy at home or listen to them say they are bored. Come along and keep them busy for a few hours playing the water or perfecting their skating skills with their friends or siblings.

Location: Leverrier St, Bruce

Take a tour of Australia’s best sporting institute; the Australian Institute of Sport. Get a behind the scenes look at the top of the line facilities and training areas that train some of our nation’s best athletes.

You will be guided through the facilities and exhibits by an elite athlete, who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. On the tour, you’ll also be taken through Sportex, an interactive exhibition at the institute set amongst a range of Australian sporting memorabilia.

"Get a behind the scenes look at the top of the line facilities and training areas that train some of our nation’s best athletes."

Sporting fans all ages will love this inside access pass to the IT world of Australian sport. While on the tour you might even meet some of your favourite athletes!

A visit to the Australian Institute of Sport will give those young budding athletes the encouragement and motivation to work hard enough to maybe one day, end up training here.

The tours run four times a day from 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm each lasting for approximately 90 minutes.

Location: 125 Canberra Ave, Griffith, ACT

When the weather turns sour and you and the children aren’t interested in staying home then head to Power Kart Raceway for a blast of adrenaline and family fun.

Embrace your competitive nature and race against your family or friends in these Italian made electric go karts.

Power Kart Raceway has thought of everything with a Power Kart Kids track designed for kids aged 4 to 7 years plus junior and adult go kart courses to suit all ages and abilities.

The Power Kart Kids track is a simple oval track where juniors can have fun driving and prices are a very modest $8 for about 5 minutes of driving.

If the kids are in the next age bracket then they can join in on the go karting action on more advanced junior tracks and race electric go karts at speeds of 35km/h. Each session lasts 10 minutes and includes up to 10 laps based on when the lead racer finishes.

"The Power Kart Raceway is Canberra's ultimate go karting experience. Go for a hot lap and race against your family members on an F1 style indoor track, play a game of putt putt golf or go for a spin on iceskating rink all here in one location. "

The adults course is suitable for ages 12 years and up and is an extended 320 metre track with electric go karts that can race up to 50 km/h. When the winner in the family has been crowned then you might like to head to the Iskate Park or the Jungle Golf also housed in the Power Kart Raceway.

Iskate Park is a synthetic ice rink illuminated by LED lighting and is suitable for skaters aged 5 and up. Open all day, skaters can choose between a 30 minute, 60 minute or 90 minute session with prices starting from $11 and skate hire an additional $3 per person.

For a lower impact activity then the indoor Jungle Golf course may be a more suitable option. The putt putt course is the first glow in the dark course in Canberra with funky UV lighting throughout the 18 hole course.

Putt Putt your way through the jungle themed course which should take around 1 hour for the family to complete.

Power Kart Raceway is open on weekdays from 10am to 10pm, Saturday at 9am to 10pm and Sunday from 9am to 8pm.

Location: Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley, Canberra, ACT

The National Arboretum in Canberra has been designed with the purpose of planting trees for conservation, scientific research and educational purposes and families are most welcome to come along and explore the grounds and facilities including the Pod Playground.

Currently, the Arboretum features more than 44, 000 trees and continues to grow with 94 forests spreading over 250 hectares, however, most are still quite young with the facility opening in 2013.

The award winning facility was architect designed and has prime position with views out over Canberra and is a great place to take the children in between visits to all the museum, art galleries and attractions within Canberra.

Free guided talks and walks are available throughout the year ranging from a short and family friendly introductory walk to a more in depth 1 or 2.5 hour walk for the nature enthusiasts and families that love to be outdoors.

Visitors to the National Arboretum can discover the tall forests, National Bonsai or the Penjing collection at their leisure but the real drawcard for families are the shaded, outdoor picnic areas surrounded by picturesque and tranquil forest plus the striking Pod Playground.

"The Pod Playground is inspired by nature play and features a variety of structures that encourage and challenge children to play whether they are toddlers or a little bit older."

Inspired by nature play, the playground features a variety of structures so that toddlers right through to older children can be active and challenge themselves at this playground.

The playground incorporates giant acorn cubbies, nest swings, banksia pods and all with views of Canberra and is centrally located near the café and gift shop if you wish to buy food, however, picnic are encouraged with several BBQ’s to be found near the playground and forests.

Most visitors spends three or four hours here with plenty of space for the kids to run around outdoors, play, take a short nature walk and even learn a little about the world’s flora and conservation efforts in Australia.

The National Arboretum in Canberra is open daily from 9am to 4pm 7 days a week but the Pod Playground are open longer from 7am to 5.30pm and extended hours during Daylight Savings Time.

Best of all, entry to Arboretum is completely free but paid parking does apply The very reasonable flat rate of approx. $8 per day makes this a worthwhile investment in keeping the kids happy and entertained for the day.

Location: Treloar Cres, Canberra

If there’s a singular word to describe our #1 entry on this list, “humbling” would likely be it. The Australian War Memorial is one of the most significant buildings in Australia that serves as some combination of attraction, museum, archive and tribute all rolled into one, and its size and contents combine to make it an experience that can be as harrowing as it is informative and enjoyable.

Fittingly located at the bottom of ANZAC Parade, it’s simply a must for every Australian citizen to visit once in their lives, and serves as a fitting memorial to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our country.

The Memorial features a staggering array of moving displays depicting conflicts dating to Australia’s colonial period way back in 1788 and covering the likes of World War 1 and 2, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and more modern conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan as well as more general overviews of military history and way of life.

Each war is covered in painstakingly elaborate detail, with stories, weaponry, photos and videos documenting the trials and tribulations of all involved. There are even military vehicles ranging from light aircraft to cannons which can be found in various sections of the memorial and which help add even more of a touch of realism to the proceedings.

Scale maps show geographical layouts of where conflicts occurred and where significant battles and events took place, with the World War I Gallipoli feature being a particular highlight.

Perhaps the most unintentionally impact feature of the memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier located in the memorial's mosaic-lined and stained glass featured Hall of Memory that represents all of the nameless heroes in each branch of the armed services who have lost their lives in wars throughout the world- and one does not need to be a religious person to feel such an atmosphere here.

"Each war is covered in painstakingly elaborate detail, with stories, weaponry, photos and videos documenting the trials and tribulations of all involved."

The building itself is likewise impressive, with its large, stone construction feeling larger in scale that it probably truly is, while also providing a great outlook over Canberra to Old Parliament House and beyond.

At such a serious facility, it also may seem that bringing kids along may be an unspoken no-no, however the memorial has its own dedicated Kids Discovery Zone that aims to educate them to some degree about the war while also allowing them to clamber on and sit in the likes of a Vietnam War-era helicopter, a World War 1 style trench, and even a small submarine!

While some may find the experience of visiting the Australian War Memorial inherently solemn and even depressing, its pure meaningfulness can’t be denied - and there’s simply so much here to keep the senses occupied and brain interested for all ages that there’s a good reason it ranks at the pointy end of our list of the top things to do in Canberra.

Location: Parkes Place, Canberra

A completely different kind of gallery to the above, the National Gallery of Australia is a truly expansive attraction that takes history one step further and features a staggering array of historical and cultural artistic artefacts spanning a great chunk of human history and geographical regions ranging from Australia to the Pacific and the Asian continent.

With a collection of over 160,000 individual pieces on display, the quantity of things to see and do here can be almost overwhelming; large, open spaces are nonetheless packed with world-class items on permanent display with even more if temporary exhibitions are included.

The Gallery is divided up into five main sections - Australian Art, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, European & American, Asian and the Pacific are all covered in their own wing, while unique individual pieces - notably Jackson Pollock’s “Blue Poles” famed work from the 1950’s, among many others - feature prominently with an impressive degree of curation.

The gallery is laid out over three levels, starting with an open, cathedral-esque layout at the entrance that continues on into the Asian section on the ground floor and out into the charming Sculpture Garden. It’s a large facility that can take some time to navigate, and it’s easy to spend a full day - or multiple days - here if art is a particular passion.

There’s also a surprisingly good cafe inside that makes for a reasonably-priced spot to grab lunch and rest tired legs before pressing onwards. Kids are also catered for via specially-designed brochures that act as a simulated “treasure hunt”, tasking them to find certain pieces or art located at regular intervals around the gallery - a crafty means of keeping them entertained.

"The National Gallery of Australia is a truly expansive attraction that takes history one step further and features a staggering array of historical and cultural artistic artifacts spanning a great chunk of human history."

Tours of the National Gallery of Australia are available in two “flavours” - there are regularly-scheduled, free tours conducted by knowledgeable and passionate staff members, while there’s also a hireable audio guide available for a small fee which you can equip and then follow the narration around from one exhibit to the next; this can actually be preferable in some cases to the guided tours as during busier periods the size of groups means views of the featured exhibits may be obscured.

Professionally managed, well laid out, comprehensive and encompassing all ends of the world’s art spectrum, the NGA is arguably Australia’s best gallery - and also offers general entry FREE of charge.

Location: King Edward Terrace, Canberra

Scoring extra points for uniqueness, the National Portrait Gallery is exactly what it name implies - a gallery full of portraits of significant individuals from Australian history - but is far more interesting than that may initially seem.

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate its offerings, and if you’ve got even a shred of Aussie patriotism (or are visiting from abroad and looking to learn about Aussie culture) then it’s a place that can keep you occupied for hours.

Each and every portrait in the gallery is curated in detail, and the portraits themselves are produced in a variety of styles - not only different kind of painted art, but photography, sculptures and busts as well. It’s truly one of the only A to Z collections of “who’s who” in Aussie history in the country, and the figures range from old-world politicians to modern-day celebrities.

In terms of famous names, there are few Aussies who are noteworthy that aren’t featured here in some form; everybody from Mel Gibson to Ned Kelly to Dame Edna Everage can be found adorning the walls or the floors of the gallery, with each part of the facility separated out into distinct rooms following particular historical periods rather than genre of their fame or achievement.

All aspects of the Aussie cultural spectrum are covered in some form - pop culture, sports, politics, exploration and more are here in some degree, and like many of the other spots on this list, the gallery offers opportunities for learning as well as standard sightseeing and is the ideal place to duck into if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

"You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate its offerings, and if you’ve got even a shred of Aussie patriotism then it’s a place that can keep you occupied for hours."

The compact size of the NPG make it easy enough to explore without getting worn out or tired, and it’s a good generator of conversation points and discussion between adults and their kids.

While the gallery now resides in its own purpose-built building, it was originally contained in Old Parliament House, so if you’re confused trying to find it by reading dated information on the Internet or older guidebooks, this will likely be why.

Lastly, perhaps the most impressive feature of the National Portrait Gallery is that entry (except for temporary exhibitions) is entirely FREE (as is parking) - so if you’re looking for kill several hours while coming away more “Australian” than when you first entered, it’s a proverbial no-brainer as one of the top things to do in Canberra.

Location: 999 Lady Denman Dr, Weston Creek, Canberra

For animal and wildlife based entertainment, there’s nowhere in the ACT that can compare to the National Zoo and Aquarium - the only such combined facility in Australia - that’s set on a relatively compact 7 hectare stretch of land and brimming with both native and exotic animals from both land and sea.

It’s a facility that is both clean, comprehensive and well-maintained, and the animals’ cages are generously spacious as opposed to some other facilities where you can’t help but feel sorry for them being closed in.

The zoo has a layout that makes an organic use of the landscape rather than bulldozing its what to cram in as much as possible; lions and snow leopards are on an appropriately natural hillside location, while the cheetahs, giraffes and other animals also have plenty of room to roam rather than looking confined and depressed.

The diverse array of animals on offer is always continually growing, and the zoo continues to be renovated and expanded to increase the scale of offerings worthy of such a facility in our nation’s capital - recent years have seen the addition of the likes of tigers, meerkats, monkeys and various other characters of the wildlife kingdom while still retaining its original intimate feel.

Despite being privately owned, it also feels remarkably lest “touristy” than a number of alternative similar zoos and wildlife facilities as well - while there’s the obvious gift shop, commercialism isn’t crammed down your throat, lending the zoo a more natural atmosphere that one would likely want when attempting to immerse themselves in the world of wildlife.

"It’s a facility that is both clean, comprehensive and well-maintained, and the animals’ cages are generously spacious as opposed to some other facilities."

The zoo also offers a range of bookable interactive animal experiences where guests can get up close with the likes of cheetahs and also tours that will allow you to feed white lions and giraffes which - while they come at an extra cost - are well worth the cost of admission and add a more dynamic layer to the typical “passive viewing” experience.

These also feature in-depth explanations from the passionate guides about not only the animals but the zoo itself, so you’ll come away with a higher level of appreciation for the facility and its weird and wonderful inhabitants.

The facility’s aquarium component meanwhile adds another dynamic to the attraction; while it’s not massive, it features some rare species of marine life that can’t be found at most other larger facilities around Australia, as well as the more “typical” offerings such as sharks, fish and coral of the Great Barrier Reef, and amphibious life such as frogs and reptiles.

The National Zoo and Aquarium is situated along the waterfront where the Molonglo River runs into Lake Burley Griffin and can be reached via a short 10 minute drive to the west of the city centre, and is accessible by both car and bus, making the proposition of getting a dose of animal action both quick and easy.

While the price may seem steep, considering it’s basically combining two attractions in one, when the price of admission to both a zoo and an aquarium is factored in it’s more than reasonable and provides a solid 6 hours of entertainment while in Canberra.

Location:King Edward Terrace, Canberra

Many facilities make the bold claim of being “both educational and fun” - while usually being an absolute snore-fest - but Questacon (a.k.a the National Science and Technology Centre) is a place that can truly live up to the hype.

Featuring an emphasis on interactivity and encouraging active involvement from all ages, Questacon actually DOES make learning fun with an extensive array of exhibits (over 200 in total) that showcase everything from the human body to the origin of electricity to the solar system and everything else in between on the science-y scale.

The facility itself is set out over a series of numbered rooms divided up by theme and laid out over several levels, along with regular shows that take place throughout the day and go into further details about the scientific aspects of each exhibit in a way that both adults and kids can understand.

A simple way to enjoy Questacon is to start at the top floor and then work your way down; as there’s an extensive array of regular exhibits on offer, it can take some time to make it from one level to the next, so you’ll want to end up closer to the exit once you’ve had enough.

These regular offerings are augmented by temporary displays that showcase various parts of the scientific and natural worlds, so even if you’ve visited before there will likely be something new to absorb and take in.

"Featuring an emphasis on interactivity and encouraging active involvement from all ages, Questacon actually DOES make learning fun."

For those adults who are looking to satisfy their own curiousity without having to deal with the large number of kids running around, Questacon also offers special “adults only” nights at a great discount (priced at $10 as opposed to the typical $30), so if you’re visiting during a time period where this is an option it’s highly advisable to go then as you’ll not only have a bit more peace and quiet, but fewer visitor numbers typically means more hands-on time with the interactive exhibits.

The substantial amount of things to see and do on offer mean it’s possible to spend multiple hours at Questacon and still not see and do everything, so if you’re looking for an entertaining and stimulating way to pass half a day during your visit to Canberra, Questacon is well worth the monetary investment.

It’s a truly unique attraction in Australia, as well - where else can you experience a realistic simulation of an earthquake, a real lightning strike up close, play hockey versus a robot, and any number of other quirky activities that all have a solid scientific foundation behind them? Questacon is the only answer, and if you’ve got kids along for the ride, it’s simply a must-visit.

Location: 19 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo

Each morning, Canberra’s famously clear skies can be seen dotted with splashes of colour suspended in the air as the silhouettes of hot air balloons make their tranquil paths high above the ground.

Hot air ballooning is something of an institution in Canberra, highlighted by its annual “Canberra Balloon Spectacular” event that occurs annually - one of the world’s top ballooning events that features dozens of hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes filling the skies with their bright and vivid colours.

It’s only fitting, then, that many people who visit Canberra look to take part in their own ballooning adventure with local ballooning company Dawn Drifters - a great value tour company who aim to provide visitors with the most memorable possible tour of Canberra from above.

"The smooth surfaces of Lake Burley Griffin, green peak of Black Mountain and the surrounding tablelands all give you a true sense of their scale when viewed from the air."

It’s truly a unique take on the typical “city tour” experience, with the ballooning guides not only being able to provide you with outstanding views of the city and its many landmarks, but plenty of commentary and background on the area and its history is part of the package as well.

Seeing the sun rise over Canberra while passing through the incredibly serene air is an experience that’s both picturesque and slightly eerie; it’s literally dead-quiet once you reach a level far enough the ground, and taking in the blend of historical and modern architecture along the the abundant greenery gives a true idea of just how nice the city looks as a whole.

Be sure to bring your camera along for the ride, as the views available from roughly 3000 feet above the earth are hard to match!

The smooth surfaces of Lake Burley Griffin, green peak of Black Mountain and the surrounding tablelands all give you a true sense of their scale when viewed from the air, creating a sense of wonder (and making us feel ever so slightly more insignificant), and the whole experience is capped off with a landing and enjoying a tasty glass of champagne (with optional extra breakfast) back at the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Hot air ballooning is a worthwhile “bucket list” item regardless of where you’re choosing to experience it in Australia, but Canberra doesn’t have its reputation as an unofficial “ballooning capital” for nothing - so it’s more than a worthy enough of a destination to take the plunge if you’ve never been ballooning before.

Location: 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, Canberra

One of the more unique and charming attractions that Canberra has to offer, Cockington Green Gardens is a lovingly-crafted, miniature recreation of what started as only an English village yet which has expanded to feature an entire international themed area.

The level of detail and care put into the creation of this miniature village is incredible and easy to appreciate; if it wasn’t for the small scale it would be hard to discern the difference between some of the models and the real thing!

Attention to detail is the name of the game at Cockington Green, as there’s plenty of little, easy-to-miss things going on outside of the more obvious main exhibits; characters planning secret meetings behind buildings, domestic disputes, animals running amok and more are all awaiting for the eagle eye to discover - all of which are done with a subtle sense of humour.

"The level of detail and care put into the creation of this miniature village is incredible and easy to appreciate."

t’s a truly delightful spot to visit for those who are bringing the kids along, perhaps at its best during sunny days but retaining an aura of magic during drizzle; the facility even provides free umbrellas for guests to use should they happen to have their visit occur during rainy weather.

The exhibits at Cockington Green are far from static, as well - there’s plenty of motion and activity going on here, with the likes of windmills, miniature trains, gardens that light up and even a ridable steam train that can take you on an enchanting little ride through the gardens and various displays.

Each of the sections - the facility is divided into the two main “Original” and “International” displays - offer their own highlights, with mini-Stonehenge and the mini-game of cricket being a favourite of the Original area, while the castles of the International area are simply incredible in their construction and faithfulness to the real thing.

The gardens of Cockington Green themselves also deserve a worthy tip of the cap, as they are immaculately groomed and maintained and feature postcard-perfect grass along with an array of dazzling floral displays and smaller shrubs which emulate the likeness of full-sized trees with their layout alongside the exhibits.

An enchanting experience for young and old, Cockington Green simply oozes charm and should be on any Canberra itinerary.

Location: New Parliament House - Parliament Dr, Canberra; Old Parliament House - 618 King George Terrace, Canberra

While they’re perhaps the most “token” possible experience to do while visiting Canberra, that doesn’t make paying a visit to Parliament while you’re there any less essential, with both the Old and New versions each offering something different.

More than just a seat of government, New Parliament house is an impressive feat of architecture in and of itself, and it serves as a good starting point for your Canberra exploration with its rooftop lookout that provides some great panoramic views out over the city and beyond.

It’s a very uniquely designed building that still feels modern despite being constructed a fair few years ago now, and most will want to grab themselves a picture in front of the building with the Aussie flag billowing proudly in the background.

Stepping inside, and it’s clear that no expense has been spared here (much to the chagrin of some taxpayers, we’re sure) - the interior is elaborate and features plenty of marble and elaborately carved panels with portraits of past political and social figures dotting the walls at regular intervals.

It’s a facility that blends Australian history with art and impressive decor to become one of Canberra’s main attractions, and the public are given an almost-uncommonly wide degree of access to its various areas be it the aforementioned roof, the main foyer (which houses a historic original copy of the Magna Carta), as well as the chambers of both the upper and lower houses.

"While they’re perhaps the most “token” possible experience to do while visiting Canberra, that doesn’t make paying a visit to Parliament while you’re there any less essential."

Free guided tours of New Parliament House are held at three different sessions throughout the day - 10:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm, respectively - run by enthusiastic tour guides who can provide you with a further level of curation and insight to the various historical features, rooms and documents which highlight various parts of Australia’s history.

It’s also got surprisingly good parking available to the public, so you’ll typically be able to find yourself a spot under the building itself on all but the busiest occasions.

Old Parliament House, meanwhile - which was the seat of government from 1927 through to 1988 - is a regal building in its own right, and now has been converted largely to serve as the home of the Museum of Australian Democracy: a showcase of the past, present and future of Australian legislation as well as a charming example of old-world interior design.

While a small $2 entry fee is required to get in, it’s a small price to pay when you can visit the offices of former ministers, sit in their seats and play the role of an old-time politician for a few hours.

Regardless of whether or not you have any particular interest in politics, both of these buildings are such significant national icons with their own impressive quirks that you’d be a fool to make a trip to Canberra and not bother to visit at least once, making them both predictable yet justified items on this list.

Location: Mount Majura Road, Canberra

One of the more unique and wholly unexpected delights in terms of Canberra-region tourism experiences, The Truffle Farm is both exactly what it sounds like, and quite a bit more as well.

Situated on Mount Majura road, this farm involves not merely the dispensing of various truffle-inspired goods such as salts and honeys (although they're definitely available), but the chance to participate in the sourcing and enjoying of truffles itself.

Signing up for the "truffle hunt" experience - available from late May through to September each year due to truffles' propensity for growing in the cold - you'll be presented with some entertaining and engaging stories about how such a niche business came to be.

"The Truffle Farm is both exactly what it sounds like, and quite a bit more as well."

Augmented by the skills of some truly talented sniffer dogs who specialise in hunting out the truffles, you'll learn of the evolution of growing truffles in Canberra then have the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch, brunch or desserts concocted from the truffles themselves.

Degustation options are also available for culinary aficionados looking to extend the experience (standard one lasts for around 3.5 hours), while receiving ample advice and instruction on how to make use of truffles at home.

It's a unique, intimate and somewhat special experience that combines to make for an asset to the Canberra tourism industry - one that will appeal to those who are a fun of delectable foodstuffs in particular.

Location: 314 Majura Rd, Majura

While areas around Australia such as the Barossa, Yarra and Hunter Valleys are no doubt the first that spring to mind when conjuring up images of “Aussie wine country”, don’t sleep on the ACT - it’s got an expansive rural area of countryside that’s host to around 140 individual vineyards and over 30 wineries where it’s possible to sample a drop or three of the “good stuff”.

Perhaps the best of these is Mount Majura Vineyard, an award-winning locale which is situated on the slopes of Mt Majura on a unique section of red soil, and easily accessibly via a roughly 15 minute drive from the Canberra CBD.

The vineyard boasts both a pleasant outlook, famously hospitable hosts and some of the best Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Rieslings in the region and it’s also got history behind it, being the first official vineyard in the ACT when vines were planted back in 1988.

"The attraction boasts a laid-back, unpretentious vibe atypical of many other wineries, with the friendly hosts only too happy to provide detailed, interesting information about each of the featured wines."

The facility boasts a laid-back, unpretentious vibe atypical of many other wineries, with the friendly hosts only too happy to provide detailed, interesting information about each of the featured wines that cover all aspects of the taste spectrum.

Mount Majura Vineyard also offer visitors the chance to take part in a self-guided tour through the vineyards (nicknamed the Gumboot Tour) that follows a trail which outlines the history and layout of the site, wine production and grape growing, and culminates in a panoramic view overlooking the vineyard.

While it’s still not a massive facility, Mount Majura Vineyard has expanded significantly since its inception and now offers an additional array of wines both white and red, which when combined with their patented seated wine tastings make for one of the more accessible and comprehensive - while still reasonably-priced - wine tasting experiences in the ACT.

Couple these with an array of fresh produce and food offerings - including truffles, rich cheeses and more - and you’ve got a spot in Canberra that offers a true delight for the palate that is sure to appeal to both the wine aficionado and average traveller alike.